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Perisciatic Injection of Steroid for the Treatment of Sciatica due to Piriformis Syndrome
  1. Michael Hanania, M.D. and
  2. Eric Kitain, M.D.
  1. From the Department of Anesthesiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, The Long Island Campus for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, New York.
  1. Reprint requests: Michael Hanania, M.D., Director of Chronic Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040.

Abstract

Background and Objectives Piriformis syndrome causing sciatica is sometimes refractory to conventional treatments including physical therapy, piriformis injections, and even caudal epidural steroid injections. Surgical release of the piriformis muscle has been described for difficult cases of piriformis syndrome, but is occasionally accompanied by morbidity. Another approach to treating piriformis syndrome is presented.

Methods A perisciatic injection of steroid using simple landmarks and utilizing a nerve stimulator to locate and inject near the sciatic nerve and into the piriformis muscle is described.

Results Six patients that did not respond to conventional treatments, but did respond to perisciatic steroid injections are presented. CT scan, in one of the patients, confirmed correct needle placement when this technique and landmarks were used.

Conclusion Patients with piriformis syndrome who were refractory to conventional treatments but responded to perisciatic injections of steroid are presented.

  • piriformis syndrome
  • sciatica
  • perisciatic injection
  • methylprednisolone.

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